Climate Change Threatens Our Big Cat Mascots

National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Kameron Peresnovich donated this photo of a mountain lion.
Tigers

Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Angad Achappa.
Lions
Loyola Marymount and Columbia University, another college attended by President Obama, share the kings of the beasts as their mascot. Lions are an iconic and beautiful species but they are now facing sickness brought on by climate change. Lions of the Serengeti lost a third of their population in seven years (1994 to 2001) when extreme drought followed by heavy seasonal rains caused widespread disease and death. As climate change worsens, more events like this could endanger lion populations.
Wildcats

Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant William Brose.
But it’s not just wildcats that are in foul territory. Check out NWF’s new report “Mascot Madness: How Climate change is Hurting School Spirit” to see if your favorite mascot is in trouble!
We can help to curb the impacts of climate change by regulating carbon emissions from power plants. Speak up in support of the Environmental Protection Agency and their efforts to curb carbon emissions!